Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nazmin Chowdhury and Tom Plater.

There were no declarations of interest.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nazmin Chowdhury and Tom Plater.

There were no declarations of interest. 

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2026.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2026 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2026 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

To note the following minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees:

·         Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 15 June 2026

·         Environment and Economy Select Committee – 16 June 2026

Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees including:

·         Overview and Scrutiny Committee – including the Civil Penalties Policy, Renters Rights Act and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation;

·         Environment and Economy Select Committee – The committee confirmed that the principal review for the year would focus on fly tipping, alongside updates on cycling, skills and employment, the cost of living agenda, food bank usage, and transport affordability.

Members welcomed the focus being placed on tackling fly?tipping, recognising it as a significant issue affecting communities both locally and nationally.   It was noted that many councils were exploring enhanced enforcement measures and opportunities to work with local communities to reduce incidents of fly?tipping, and support was expressed for the Council’s ongoing efforts in this area.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Environment and Economy Select Committee meetings be noted.

Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees including:

·         Overview and Scrutiny Committee – including the Civil Penalties Policy, Renters Rights Act and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation;

·         Environment and Economy Select Committee – The committee confirmed that the principal review for the year would focus on fly tipping, alongside updates on cycling, skills and employment, the cost of living agenda, food bank usage, and transport affordability.

Members welcomed the focus being placed on tackling fly?tipping, recognising it as a significant issue affecting communities both locally and nationally.   It was noted that many councils were exploring enhanced enforcement measures and opportunities to work with local communities to reduce incidents of fly?tipping, and support was expressed for the Council’s ongoing efforts in this area.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Environment and Economy Select Committee meetings be noted.

To receive an update on the Pride In Place funding awarded to the St Nicholas area in Stevenage.

Cabinet received a report seeking approval of the initial steps required to establish a resident-led Pride in Place Programme for St Nicholas, following the award of £20 million Government funding.  Members were advised that the programme aimed to deliver long-term improvements over the next 10 years, focusing on priorities identified by residents, including the physical environment, community facilities, health and wellbeing, community safety, skills, employment and life chances.

Members were advised that a St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board would be established by the end of August 2026 which would oversee development of a 10-year neighbourhood plan and a four-year investment programme for submission to Government in February 2027. The Council would initially act as the accountable body, providing governance, financial oversight and programme support, while enabling residents and local partners to lead the development of the vision and priorities.  It was also noted that a chair for the Neighbourhood Board had been recommended for appointment and, subject to the completion of the necessary checks, details would be made public in due course.

Following a number of questions, the Leader advised that work was underway to establish a “Friends of St Nicholas” initiative to encourage wider community participation in the Pride in Place programme.  Members were pleased to note that a programme of engagement events was being developed for August, supported in part through Local Community Budget funding.  Once the appointment of the Neighbourhood Board Chair had been confirmed, arrangements would be made to involve relevant stakeholders, including the Chair, local Members, the MP and officers, in supporting these events and the ongoing development of the programme.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the award of Pride in Place funding to the St Nicholas area and the role of Stevenage Borough Council as the initial accountable body for the programme be noted.

2.    That the proposed approach to establishing the St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board to support the initial stages of the programme be approved.

3.    That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (JB), having consulted with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities & Equalities, to develop the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan for submission to government by February 2027.

4.    That a further report be brought forward ahead of the February 2027 submission deadline, setting out the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan.

Cabinet received a report seeking approval of the initial steps required to establish a resident-led Pride in Place Programme for St Nicholas, following the award of £20 million Government funding.  Members were advised that the programme aimed to deliver long-term improvements over the next 10 years, focusing on priorities identified by residents, including the physical environment, community facilities, health and wellbeing, community safety, skills, employment and life chances.

Members were advised that a St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board would be established by the end of August 2026 which would oversee development of a 10-year neighbourhood plan and a four-year investment programme for submission to Government in February 2027. The Council would initially act as the accountable body, providing governance, financial oversight and programme support, while enabling residents and local partners to lead the development of the vision and priorities.  It was also noted that a chair for the Neighbourhood Board had been recommended for appointment and, subject to the completion of the necessary checks, details would be made public in due course.

Following a number of questions, the Leader advised that work was underway to establish a “Friends of St Nicholas” initiative to encourage wider community participation in the Pride in Place programme.  Members were pleased to note that a programme of engagement events was being developed for August, supported in part through Local Community Budget funding.  Once the appointment of the Neighbourhood Board Chair had been confirmed, arrangements would be made to involve relevant stakeholders, including the Chair, local Members, the MP and officers, in supporting these events and the ongoing development of the programme.

Members welcomed the positive developments for St Nicholas and expressed support for the work of the newly established board.  They emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach, noting that once the Board had identified its priorities, the Council should actively work alongside its partner organisations and agencies to support the delivery of local ambitions.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing then highlighted the Council’s housing interests within St Nicholas and referred to a range of housing improvement projects which would take place over the coming years.  She confirmed that the Housing service would support the Board and contribute to the success of its objectives.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the award of Pride in Place funding to the St Nicholas area and the role of Stevenage Borough Council as the initial accountable body for the programme be noted.

2.    That the proposed approach to establishing the St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board to support the initial stages of the programme be approved.

3.    That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (JB), having consulted with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities & Equalities, to develop the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan for submission to government by February 2027.

4.    That a further report be brought forward ahead of the February 2027 submission deadline, setting out the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan.

To update Members on the 2025/26 outturn positions for the General Fund (GF), Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Capital and the Council’s Subsidiary Companies and to seek approval for changes to 2026/27 working revenue budgets.

Cabinet received a report on the Council’s financial performance for 2025/26, covering the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Capital Programme and subsidiary companies.

Members were advised that the Council ended the year in a stronger financial position than forecast, with General Fund balances increasing to £7.57 million, supported by higher investment income and stronger service income, which helped offset various budget pressures.

It was noted that the HRA also reported a better-than-expected position, delivering a £1.54 million surplus, although much of this related to one-off factors and funding being carried forward to complete housing repairs, maintenance and improvement works.

Members were pleased to note that, despite improvements to General Fund funding, the HRA continued to face significant medium- and long-term financial pressures arising from increasing regulatory requirements.  A proposal was made to allocate £200,000 of the General Fund underspend towards public realm improvements as part of the town’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

It was RESOLVED:

General Fund

1.    That it be noted that all the financial data is subject to the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts audit.

2.    That the 2025/26 actual General Fund (GF) net expenditure of £10.078 Million be noted.

3.    That the 2025/26 actual core resources (government grants, business rates and council tax) of £11.144 Million be noted (paragraph 4.4.1).

4.    That carry forward/spend requests into 2026/27 totalling £309,150 be approved for the General Fund (paragraph 4.3).

5.    That the 2025/26 transfer to reserves of £3.169 Million be approved for the General Fund (paragraph 4.7.1).

6.    That the transfer from General Fund reserves to allocated reserves in 2025/26 of £2.92 Million as detailed in paragraph 4.7.1 be noted.

7.    That the 2026/27 transfer from reserves of £1.015 Million as set out in paragraphs 4.6.1 and 4.6.5 be approved.

8.    That the changes to the 2026/27 budget of £117,030 as set out in the table in paragraph 4.6 be approved.

Housing Revenue Account

9.    That the 2025/26 in year HRA surplus of £1,543,209 be noted, subject to the audit of the Statement of Accounts.

10.That carry forward requests of £783,140 (paragraph 4.11) be approved.

11.That the 2026/27 revised HRA budget of £942,260 deficit be approved as set out in paragraph 4.12.3.

Capital Programme

12.That the General Fund capital budget re-phasing of £4.4 Million from 2025/26 to future years be approved.

13.That the Housing Revenue Account capital budget re-phasing of £2 Million from 2025/26 to future years be approved.

14.That the new growth item detailed on paragraph 4.17.2 be approved.

15.That the virements totalling £177K detailed on paragraph 4.17.3 be approved.

16.That the changes in Capital Financing in paragraph 4.18 be approved for 2025/26 and 2026/27.

Council’s Subsidiary Companies

17.That the 2025/26 outturn position for the Council’s subsidiary companies as set out in paragraph 4.20 be noted.

Cabinet received a report on the Council’s financial performance for 2025/26, covering the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Capital Programme and subsidiary companies.

Members were advised that the Council ended the year in a stronger financial position than forecast, with General Fund balances increasing to £7.57 million, supported by higher investment income and stronger service income, which helped offset various budget pressures. Part of the underspend related to funding being carried forward for projects to be completed in 2026/27.

It was noted that the HRA also reported an improved outturn position, delivering a £1.54 million surplus, although much of this related to one-off factors and funding being carried forward to complete housing repairs, maintenance and improvement works.

Members were pleased to note that, despite improvements to General Fund funding, the HRA continued to face significant medium- and long-term financial pressures arising from increasing regulatory requirements.  A further recommendation was proposed to allocate £200,000 of the General Fund underspend towards public realm improvements as part of the town’s 80th anniversary celebrations which the Cabinet approved.

It was RESOLVED:

General Fund

1.    That it be noted that all the financial data is subject to the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts audit.

2.    That the 2025/26 actual General Fund (GF) net expenditure of £10.078 Million be noted.

3.    That the 2025/26 actual core resources (government grants, business rates and council tax) of £11.144 Million be noted (paragraph 4.4.1).

4.    That carry forward/spend requests into 2026/27 totalling £309,150 be approved for the General Fund (paragraph 4.3).

5.    That the 2025/26 transfer to reserves of £3.169 Million be approved for the General Fund (paragraph 4.7.1).

6.    That the transfer from General Fund reserves to allocated reserves in 2025/26 of £2.92 Million as detailed in paragraph 4.7.1 be noted.

7.    That the 2026/27 transfer from reserves of £1.015 Million as set out in paragraphs 4.6.1 and 4.6.5 be approved.

8.    That the changes to the 2026/27 budget of £117,030 as set out in the table in paragraph 4.6 be approved.

Housing Revenue Account

9.    That the 2025/26 in year HRA surplus of £1,543,209 be noted, subject to the audit of the Statement of Accounts.

10.That carry forward requests of £783,140 (paragraph 4.11) be approved.

11.That the 2026/27 revised HRA budget of £942,260 deficit be approved as set out in paragraph 4.12.3.

Capital Programme

12.That the General Fund capital budget re-phasing of £4.4 Million from 2025/26 to future years be approved.

13.That the Housing Revenue Account capital budget re-phasing of £2 Million from 2025/26 to future years be approved.

14.That the new growth item detailed on paragraph 4.17.2 be approved.

15.That the virements totalling £177K detailed on paragraph 4.17.3 be approved.

16.That the changes in Capital Financing in paragraph 4.18 be approved for 2025/26 and 2026/27.

Council’s Subsidiary Companies

17.That the 2025/26 outturn position for the Council’s subsidiary companies as set out in paragraph 4.20 be noted.

To receive a comprehensive overview of the Council’s performance at the end of the 2025/36 financial year and the proposed direction for the year ahead.

Cabinet received a report reviewing the Council’s performance during 2025/26 and setting priorities for the year ahead.  The report brought together the Quarter 4 performance position, the Annual Report for 2025/26, and the 2026/27 Corporate Performance Suite, providing an overview of progress against the Council’s Corporate Plan and the Making Stevenage Even Better programme.

Members were pleased to note that overall, the report highlighted another year of strong performance despite significant national financial and organisational challenges. 

While many performance measures were achieving their targets, it was noted that three indicators remained below the desired level.  Particular attention was drawn to the continued challenge of reducing the turnaround time for general needs void properties, which remained a key priority for both residents and the Council.

The Chief Executive then gave a short presentation including details of a number of significant projects which had been delivered during 2025/26 as part of its wider regeneration and investment programme.  Key achievements included the opening of the new Indoor Market at Park Place and the ongoing fit-out of the Construction Skills Campus, which was due to open in the coming weeks.  Progress was also highlighted on the new Sports and Leisure Centre, with construction now underway and supporting infrastructure works having commenced.

Members were also pleased to note that the Council had also secured over £1 million in external funding to expand the STEM Futures programme in partnership with Mission 44, North Hertfordshire College and other partners, helping to provide local young people with greater opportunities to access careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

The Chief Executive reported that significant progress had been made on a number of major regeneration and housing projects during the year including the Oval neighbourhood regeneration scheme and that the Council had delivered 627 new homes towards its target of 1,000 homes, with a further nearly 300 homes currently under construction.

The Housing Portfolio Holder expressed confidence that the measures being implemented, including the strengthening of the in-house Repairs Team and the development of supply chain and specialist contractor arrangements, would deliver further improvements in performance.  She advised that this would support the Council’s ability to bring homes back into use more quickly and increase the availability of accommodation for residents on the housing register.

It was RESOLVED:

1.     That the service performance against 52 corporate performance measures and delivery of key milestones in Quarter Four 2025/26 through the Making Stevenage Even Better Programme (Appendix D) be noted.

2.     That the improvement actions being taken to improve void turnaround times and deliver value for money for tenants be noted (section 4.4.2).

3.     That the strategic risk updates (section 4.9) be noted.

4.     That the draft Annual Report 2025/26 (Appendix A) be agreed, subject to any changes discussed at the Cabinet meeting and with final sign off delegated to the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council.

5.     That the proposed Corporate Performance Suite 2026/27 (Appendix B) and MSEB Priorities 2026/27 (Appendix C) be  ...  view the full decision text for item 6.

Cabinet received a report reviewing the Council’s performance during 2025/26 and setting priorities for the year ahead.  The report brought together the Quarter 4 performance position, the Annual Report for 2025/26, and the 2026/27 Corporate Performance Suite, providing an overview of progress against the Council’s Corporate Plan and the Making Stevenage Even Better programme.

Members were pleased to note that overall, the report highlighted another year of strong performance despite significant national financial and organisational challenges. 

While many performance measures were achieving their targets, it was noted that three indicators remained below the desired level.  Particular attention was drawn to the continued challenge of reducing the turnaround time for general needs void properties, which remained a key priority for both residents and the Council.

The Chief Executive then gave a short presentation including details of a number of significant projects which had been delivered during 2025/26 as part of its wider regeneration and investment programme.  Key achievements included the opening of the new Indoor Market at Park Place and the ongoing fit-out of the Construction Skills Campus, which was due to open in the coming weeks.  Progress was also highlighted on the new Sports and Leisure Centre, with construction now underway and supporting infrastructure works having commenced.

Members were also pleased to note that the Council had also secured over £1 million in external funding to expand the STEM Futures programme in partnership with Mission 44, North Hertfordshire College and other partners, helping to provide local young people with greater opportunities to access careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

The Chief Executive reported that significant progress had been made on a number of major regeneration and housing projects during the year including the Oval neighbourhood regeneration scheme and that the Council had delivered 627 new homes towards its target of 1,000 homes, with a further nearly 300 homes currently under construction.

Members were informed of the success of the Council’s recent community and events programme, and noted that approximately 61,000 people from both Stevenage and beyond had attended civic and community events during the year.  They welcomed the positive impact these activities had made on the town and its communities.

The ongoing contribution of key support services, including Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA), No More and Housing First, which continued to provide vital assistance to residents during times of greatest need were recognised.

In relation to environmental services, Members welcomed the introduction of the new kerbside food waste collection service, a significant achievement which would help to improve recycling rates and contribute to addressing the challenges associated with waste production.

Progress made in supporting environmental sustainability and tackling climate change was also highlighted securing more than £1.5 million to improve the energy efficiency of local homes, promoting renewable energy initiatives, and facilitating the installation of 134 solar panel systems across the town.  In addition, the successful relaunch of the Stevenage Cycle Hire Scheme, providing access to 145 bicycles across the town and supporting sustainable travel options for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive the final version of the Tenancy Strategy 2026 – 2031.

Cabinet received a report advising members that the proposed Tenancy Strategy set out the Council’s expectations of all social landlords operating within Stevenage.  The strategy established a framework of principles to guide how tenancies were allocated, managed and supported across the borough.  It would apply to all registered providers, including the Council, housing associations and other registered social landlords, with the aim of promoting a consistent approach to tenancy management and tenant support.

Members were advised that the strategy was intended not only to support the allocation of social housing but also to help tenants sustain their tenancies.  A key focus was on providing early intervention, support and mediation to reduce the risk of tenancy failure and homelessness.

The Housing Portfolio Holder advised that the Council’s Housing and Homelessness Teams worked closely with housing associations and other registered providers to identify and support tenants at an early stage, helping to prevent housing difficulties from escalating into homelessness.  She also advised that the Community Select Committee had considered the strategy and provided constructive feedback, particularly in relation to strengthening the sections on tenant and resident involvement.  An additional section would also be included to encourage registered providers to recognise and support the Armed Forces Covenant.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the duty placed on Stevenage Borough Council to fulfil its duties under the Localism Act 2011 to publish a Tenancy Strategy be noted.

2.    That the content and the adoption of the Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031, as seen in Appendix A be approved.

3.    That the Strategic Director (RP), be given delegated authority to make minor updates and changes to the Strategy arising from new legislation, after consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder.

Cabinet received a report advising members that the proposed Tenancy Strategy set out the Council’s expectations of all social landlords operating within Stevenage.  The strategy established a framework of principles to guide how tenancies were allocated, managed and supported across the borough.  It would apply to all registered providers, including the Council, housing associations and other registered social landlords, with the aim of promoting a consistent approach to tenancy management and tenant support.

Members were advised that the strategy was intended not only to support the allocation of social housing but also to help tenants sustain their tenancies.  A key focus was on providing early intervention, support and mediation to reduce the risk of tenancy failure and homelessness.

The Housing Portfolio Holder advised that the Council’s Housing and Homelessness Teams worked closely with housing associations and other registered providers to identify and support tenants at an early stage, helping to prevent housing difficulties from escalating into homelessness.  She also advised that the Community Select Committee had considered the strategy and provided constructive feedback, particularly in relation to strengthening the sections on tenant and resident involvement.  An additional section would also be included to encourage registered providers to recognise and support the Armed Forces Covenant.

Members welcomed the increased engagement with residents and tenants, highlighting the importance of maintaining meaningful involvement in shaping services.  They expressed support for the Council’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality services, listening to resident feedback, and driving ongoing service improvements to better meet the needs of tenants.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the duty placed on Stevenage Borough Council to fulfil its duties under the Localism Act 2011 to publish a Tenancy Strategy be noted.

2.    That the content and the adoption of the Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031, as seen in Appendix A be approved.

3.    That the Strategic Director (RP), be given delegated authority to make minor updates and changes to the Strategy arising from new legislation, after consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder.

To consider any Part 1 business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

The Leader informed Members that the Government’s decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), was expected before Parliament entered its summer recess.  He advised that once received, the decision would be communicated promptly to Members, staff, residents and stakeholders.

The decision, would determine the geographical areas for future unitary councils and mark the next stage of the LGR process.  Further details, including council names, electoral arrangements and transitional governance arrangements, would then be confirmed through a Structural Changes Order expected to be laid before Parliament in 2026/27.

In the meantime, the Leader confirmed that Members and officers remained committed to maintaining high-quality services for residents while continuing to support the LGR programme and securing the best possible future for Stevenage and its communities.

The Leader informed Members that the Government’s decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), was expected before Parliament entered its summer recess.  He advised that once received, the decision would be communicated promptly to Members, staff, residents and stakeholders.

The decision, would determine the geographical areas for future unitary councils and mark the next stage of the LGR process.  Further details, including council names, electoral arrangements and transitional governance arrangements, would then be confirmed through a Structural Changes Order expected to be laid before Parliament in 2026/27.

In the meantime, the Leader confirmed that Members and officers remained committed to maintaining high-quality services for residents while continuing to support the LGR programme and securing the best possible future for Stevenage and its communities.

To consider the following motions –

1. That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2. That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

It was RESOLVED:

1. That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.
   
   
2. That the reasons for the following reports being in Part II were accepted, and that the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

It was RESOLVED:

1. That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.
   
   
2. That the reasons for the following reports being in Part II were accepted, and that the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

To approve as a correct record the Part II Minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2026.

It was RESOLVED that the Part II Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2026 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Part II Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2026 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

To seek approval to the revised budget and revised funding strategy for the Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub.

The Cabinet considered a Part II report in respect of the Sports and Leisure Centre.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

The Cabinet considered a Part II report in respect of the Sports and Leisure Centre.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

To seek approval to reprocure a materials supplier the Repairs and Voids Service.

The Cabinet considered a Part II report in respect of the Contract Award for the Material Supplier for the Repairs and Voids Service.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

The Cabinet considered a Part II report in respect of the Contract Award for the Material Supplier for the Repairs and Voids Service.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no urgent Part II Business.

There was no urgent Part II Business.